SAHM with kids in school

[Anonymous]

I am soon to become one. What are some of your favorite things to do (not the chores we all have to do) to make this time beneficial to you, your health, and/or your sanity? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I cannot wait for this day.

[Anonymous]

I am not in this situation but I can tell you what I think I would do (dream==ha ha) no seriously I would take cooking classes or classes in something that you really would love to be able to do better or just a topic you would enjoy. I think having some structure to your day would be good to avoid boredom, depression. You could come up with a schedule so that you built in some relaxing time but didn't have the whole day to lounge around and then scramble at the last minute to make dinner. I would get up and go to the gym a few mornings too!

[Anonymous]

Whatever you do, do NOT get sucked into volunteering too much at your kids school!

Especially if this is to be a short term gig and you will have to go back to work soon. Try to enjoy the luxury!

I try to use some of the time to do those money saving things I always thought you should be able to do as a SAHM but never managed to -- I like to cook, so more cooking from scratch etc. Also volunteering in things that are career related.

[Anonymous]

I'm not in your boat yet (but wish I was) but I'd re-join the boards that I quit when I became a mom or look for some other worthy boards for the causes I'm interested in to join.

[Anonymous]

I'm a very fortunate SAHM with 2 kids in school. Volunteer work is really important to feel productive and avoid isolation. Help at your kids' school(s), yes, but also find someway to connect with your larger community and help people who aren't as lucky as you are. Exercise is important too, especially if you can find a way to do it with friends -- e.g., walking, hiking, biking, tennis. I've never wanted to succumb to the ladies who lunch lifestyle, so don't feel right about meeting friends for lunch, but meeting them for exercise seems less selfish. Do special things for your neighbors, friends and family -- make scrapbooks for your kids, burn a CD for your sister or best friend, or invite a neighbor for tea, preferably someone whom you don't often cross paths with. Write letters to friends you don't get to see often, but think of often. It's a real gift to have the time to show people you love them. I take great pleasure also in making healthy meals for my family almost every night. If you take a basic technique course at a cooking school or work your way through a cookbook that offers lessons on techniques, you'll be able to do this efficiently and with some level of mastery. Finally, create. Even if you're a mediocre knitter or photographer as I am, you'll be more able to appreciate beauty and creativity around you. Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

I plan to write a book. With all I have to do, I doubt I'll have a minute to spare. I'd also like to catch up on sleep, but that's never going to happen.

[Anonymous]

Are you not interested in a career at this point? If so, then perhaps you should take some classes to update your skills.

[Anonymous]

Get a job. Be a an example to your children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a job. Be a an example to your children.

As a working mom, I find this post really obnoxious. Why turn this innocent topic into a fight?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a job. Be a an example to your children.

Nah, stay out of the workforce as long as you possibly can. Leave the job open for someone who needs it. Have you seen the unemployment statistics lately???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get a job. Be a an example to your children.

Just as working can be a good example to some - I really can say that I appreciate my mom sacrificing her career to be a sahm even when I was at school. She was always there for me and kept me out of trouble since she was in tune with everything. Most schools get out at 3pm and it is nice to have a mother at home helping with homework, and spending quality time with her children.
There is nothing wrong with either and I find your comment offensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Get a job. Be a an example to your children.

As a working mom, I find this post really obnoxious. Why turn this innocent topic into a fight?

I find it equally offensive. OP, ignore the nasty posters.

From a Ph.D. and professor mom who thinks you have the harder job.

[Anonymous]

OP Here: Thanks for the posts. Not that I wish to be defensive,but I am well-educated and had a high paying job. I am SOOO enjoying being a SAHM. My children will both be in school next year which will be quite a change. I am not worried about being an example. I read a ton, have lots of interests, great friends, and teach my children interesting things and go on adventures with them on a routine basis. I am fairly certain that will be a good example for them. When the time comes, I can certainly inform them about the work I did, etc. And there may come a day when I "work" again.

Ok, I was defensive. Sorry. I just don't understand the work to give your kids an example. I invested well, am totally financially self-sufficient, and believe in my skills if I needed to go back to paid work for any reason. BUT, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to spend time with my children and create a less stressful home life for them (my husband has a very intense job, two parents in an intense job is a recipe for disaster in my book).

[Anonymous]

18:06 here. OP, I totally get what you're saying. I'm actually considering giving up a prestigious (though not great-paying) professorship to stay home because, as you said, two parents in an intense job is a recipe for disaster. We're trying to live on two coasts and it's just impossible. I don't have anything to prove professionally, and it may be better for my family for me to stay home for awhile. And I think it may be important to give my kids the example of a parent who actually wants to be with them -- unlike my own mother. Believe me, I knew. So, OP, I salute you.